Celebrity Big Brother: Ann Widdecombe and Courtney Act favourites to win
(Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
Bookies have slashed the odds on anti-LGBT politician Ann Widdecombe winning Celebrity Big Brother.
The 70-year-old former Tory MP is now second favourite to storm to victory in the show.
The transformation in popularity is a major shift from when she entered CBB as a 50/1 outsider.
Ann Widdecombe (Channel 5)
Bookmakers William Hill slashed the price of Ann winning Thursday.
As a result she is the 5/2 second favourite – having been 50/1 on entering the house – putting her just behind the 5/6 favourite Courtney Act, known as Shane Jenek in the house.
“Not since John Sergeant have we underestimated anyone so badly,” William Hill spokesperson Rupert Adams said.
“There are quite a few who have backed her at 33/1 and are sitting on massive potential winnings.”
Ann Widdecombe enters the “Celebrity Big Brother” House (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
Odds among the other housemates are: 10/1 Andrew Brady, 12/1 Shane Lynch, 20/1 Amanda Barrie, 20/1 Dapper Laughs, 20/1 Jess Impiazzi, 25/1 John Barnes, 33/1 Maggie Oliver, 33/1 Malika Haqq, 66/1 Ashley James, 66/1 Rachel Johnson, 80/1 Jonny Mitchell, 80/1 Wayne Sleep, 100/1 Ginuwine.
Ann, the second oldest housemate after Amanda Barrie, has had a tumultuous time with the other celebrities.
Ann told Courtney and former housemate India Willoughby that marriage can only be between one man and one woman.
(Photo: Channel 5)
RELATED: The truth about Ann Widdecombe’s voting record on LGBT people
Courtney had researched the voting record of the retired MP prior to entering the CBB house and was keen to quiz her views.
She said: “I understand you voted against any pro-LGBT legislation in parliament in your 23 years?”
Ann replied: “It would depend which piece of legislation I was voting on.”
“Let’s start with marriage equality,” Shane said, before Ann interjected: “You call it marriage equality, I call it the re-definition of marriage.”
Former MP Ann Widdecombe listens to a speaker at anti-marriage equality group Coalition for Marriage (Getty)
RELATED: Gemma Collins criticised for backing Ann Widdecombe
During this Wednesday’s episode, Apprentice star Andrew Brady admitted finding Ann “intimidating” with her strict routine, which he said prevents other housemates from staying up late or relaxing.
Andrew criticised Ann for the effect she apparently has on the house, saying: “Ann is intimidating. You can’t talk to Ann about anything because you will not win.
“You will not even get your voice heard. Ann intimidates people.”
(Photo: Channel 5)
He continued: “Ann intimidates the girls in that room. That’s why the girls aren’t willing to stay out all night because it’s a case of ‘oh Ann’s gone to bed at f*****g half 9, let’s all go to bed.’”
